Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement recognizing the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 30, 1965:

“Access to affordable, quality health care is a fundamental American value, and no two programs have changed more lives in the area of health care than Medicare and Medicaid.

“Medicare and Medicaid have helped to successfully reduce the poverty rate among older Americans from 28.5% in 1966 to 9% today and relieve the economic burdens of millions of low-income families.  Over the last 50 years, Medicare has helped countless Americans and their families become independent and financially secure, including an estimated 55 million Americans who are receiving benefits today.  Additionally, more than 60 million Americans rely on the health care safety net that Medicaid provides, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children and young adults from working families. 

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic legislation, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is committed to defending and protecting successful programs like Medicare and Medicaid that make America strong.”

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns.  For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace L. Randle at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov